ECO-MATERIAL REVIEW

 

Eco materialism is a movement fostering conscious action and sustainability across multiple disciplines,. Yhis review emphasises its influence in the contemporary art scene, by challenging traditional art practices to uphold environmentally friendly processes and consider the greater impact.

In my recent sculptural explorations, I was introduced with Aluminium wire as a medium. It quickly became one of my preferred materials due to its adaptability and ease in forming distinctive shapes. Beyond its creative versatility, aluminium wire also presents a more sustainable option for artmaking. As a recyclable material with a long lifespan, it allows for environmentally conscious creation without compromising on versatility or strength. Its lightweight nature and resistance to corrosion make it ideal for both structural and expressive sculptural work, while its recyclability supports a more responsible studio practice. Adversely, aluminium wire is derived from bauxite ore through a refining process that demands high energy input and poses significant environmental challenges due to mining-related emissions and land disruption.

In addition to working with physical materials, I adopted Photoshop as a digital process to further transform my work. Its versatility allows for seamless experimentation and refinement without generating physical waste. As a medium, it offers flexibility and precision that traditional means may not. However, this convenience carries hidden environmental consequences. The software depends on energy-intensive infrastructure, including cloud services and hardware that require regular maintenance. These factors contribute to carbon emissions and electronic waste, that in turn has substantial impacts that are frequently overlooked.

As an artist, there is a responsibility to be informed about the materials development and procurement sources in order to make choices that align with one’s vision and values. This stands as an opportunity to progress in the field and impose a shift or change for the better.







Reference List: 

The Aluminum Association. (2021). Aluminum Sustainability. Www.aluminum.org. https://www.aluminum.org/sustainability

CUBITT, S. (2017). Finite Media: Environmental Implications of Digital Technologies. Duke University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv11smp48

Weintraub, L., & ProQuest. (2018). What’s next? : eco materialism & contemporary art. Intellect. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/qut/detail.action?docID=5622211















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